Collapsible strip folders



Deu. 20, 155 w. J. EDWARDS COLLAPSIBLE STRIP FOLDERS 4 Sheets-Sheet l Filed June 17, 1952 SN SN Wl TNESS Dec. 20, 1,955 vv. .1. EDWARDS COLLAPSIBLE STRIP FOLDERS 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 17, 1952 WITNESS ATTURNEY Dec. 20, 1955 w. J. EDWARDS COLLAPSIBLE STRIP F'OLDERS 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 17, 1952 IN1/EN TOR. am gdzmf/'ds WITNESS ATTKNEY Dec. 20, 1955 w. J. EDWARDS 2,727,478

COLLAPSIBLE STRIPV FOLDERS Filed June 17, 1952 n 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Z/i; INVENTOR.

j GZZ'ZZz'm/lz olwaz/ds WITNESS BY ATTRNE Y United States Patent Ofiice 2,727,478 Patented Dec. 20, 1955 COLLAPSIBLE STRIP FOLDERS William I. Edwards, Stratford, Conn., assignor to The Singer Manufacturing Company, Elizabeth, N. J., a corporation of New Jersey Application June 17, 1952, Serial No. 294,032 19 Claims. (Cl. 112-147) This invention relates to attachments for sewing machines and more particularly to an improvement in stripfolding and guiding devices of the type having provision for deilecting or collapsing the strip out of the path of the sewing needle.

It is a principal object of this invention to provide a novel and improved strip-collapsing device by which it is capable of shifting a folded strip into or out of collapsed position more rapidly and in a more positive manner than has been heretofore possible.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a strip-collapsing device of the above character in which the frictional drag which is exerted upon the strip is not materially increased when the guides are shifted into strip-collapsing position.

Strip-collapsing devices are most frequently utilized in conjunction with multiple needle sewing machines arranged to secure a strip of material to one or more panels of body fabric. A typical application of such an arrangement is the banding operation of overall construction in which the bib and trouser portions are secured together by means of a reinforcing strip.

Where the garment edges are to be subsequently hemmed, as in the usual garment construction, a seam including a reinforcing strip with infolded marginal edges presents the difficulty that the hem-folds at the point of intersection of the hem with the reinforced seam will be of prohibitive bulk, i. e. will contain such a large number of fabric thicknesses as to be practically impenetrable by the needle used in the hemming operation. Stripcollapsing folders are used as a convenience in reducing the bulk of the reinforced seam at points which will subsequently be hemmed. The folder acts to deflect or co1- lapse the reinforcing strip out of the line of strip securing stitches so that the strip may be severed just short of the hem without the necessity for tedious removal of the strip securing stitches by hand.

In the instant invention the principal objects of rapid and positive shifting of the strip and of the reduction in frictonal drag on the strip when in collapsed position are accomplished by means of a shiftable arbor about which the strip margins are folded. When the strip is collapsed, the arbor is retracted, thus acting to prevent binding of the strip in the guide. When the guide is returned to normal position, the arbor is shifted to operative position and in so shifting acts to force the strip margins quickly and positively into normally extended position.

it is also an object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved mechanism by which movements of the strip-collapsing members and the arbor may be accomplished in a predetermined relative sequence.

A still further object is to provide a novel manually operable actuating linkage for the strip-collapsing device which linkage may, with a minimum of adjustment, be adapted for use when the machine to which it is attached is supported in the usual manner directly upon a supporting table, or equally well when the ported upon an elevated sub-base.

With the above and other objects and advantages in view as will hereinafter appear, the invention comprises the devices, combinations and arrangement of parts hereinafter described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. l is a front elevational View of a portion of a sewing machine having the invention applied thereto and illustrating a form of actuating linkage particularly adapted for use when the sewing machine is supported directly upon a supporting table in the usual manner.

Fig. 2 is a top view of the strip-collapsing folder and actuating linkage of Fig. l in which only a portion of the machine frame is illustrated and in which a portion of the slide plate together with the body fabric guides have been removed to expose the strip-collapsing devices.

Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the strip guide and that portion of the strip-collapsing mechanism which is carried by the sewing machine slide cover plate. v

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary view in front elevation of a sewing machine frame illustrating a sub-base support and a modified form of actuating linkage for strip-collapsing mechanism particularly adapted for use with the sub-base.

Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view taken lengthwise of the strip-collapsing folder substantially on line 5-5 of Fig. 2.

-Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view of the strip-collapsing folder taken substantially on line 6-6 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 7 is a cross sectional view of the strip collapsing folder taken substantially on line 7-7 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 8 is a cross sectional view of the strip-collapsing folder taken substantially on line 8-8 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary detached top view of the delivery end of the strip guide showing a fabric strip issuing from the guide with the strip-collapsing member arranged in strip-collapsing position.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary detached top view similar to Fig. 9 but showing the position of the parts and of a strip of fabric immediately after the strip-collapsing member has been returned to normal position.

Fig. 1l is a disassembled view showing the strip guide stiifening strip in bottom plan view with the strip-collapsing members attached thereto, and the actuating slideplate for the strip-collapsing members together with its guide block removed, turned back and illustrated in perspective view.

In the drawings, my improved strip-collapsing folder is illustrated as applied to a three needle chain-stitch sewing machine having a frame including a bed 11 formed with a work-support 12 and a standard 13 rising from the bed, from which a bracket-arm (not shown) extends over the work-support. Journaled in the bracket-arm is the usual reciprocatory needle-bar 14 to which spaced needles 15 are secured. Also carried by the bracket-arm s a downwardly biased presser-bar 16 tted at the lower eX- tremity with a presser-foot 17 which is opposed to a throatplate 18 carried by the work-support. Supported in the bed 11 beneath the work-support 12 is a work-feeding mechanism including a feed-dog 20, which is operable through slots 21 in the throat-plate below the presserfoot 17. Also carried beneath the work-support are the usual oscillatory thread-carrying loopers (not shown) which are complemental to the needles 15 in the formation of chain stitches. To facilitate threading of the loopers and the like, the work-support is formed with an access aperture 25 which is normally closed by a slide coverplate 26.

In the present invention, ing instrumentalities, actuating means therefor, and the usual guiding and manipulating instrumentalities for opposed plies of body fabric are carried by the slide-cover plate 26 for ready removal from and replacement theremachine is supthe strip-guiding and collaps 9 1 1 with on the sewing machine. A manually operable linkaig fr imparting movement t the eftig r''ellnisl is secured to the machine bed 11, a slidable interlocking connection being provided therebetween, as will be described more fully hereinaftenthus making possible to ready. the sewing. machine for a strip-collapsing operation by the mere substitutionfor the ordinary slide-plateof one to whichpis affixedla strip-collapsing folder constructed `in accordance with this linvention. As shown in Fig. l, an edge guide 27 for one ply of body fabric and an edge folding guide 28 for a. second ply of body fabric are secredltoth'e upper surfacey of the slide cover-plate 26.

xvReferring more particularly to Figs. 2 and 3, the slide cpy plate V26 is cut away as at 30 to embrace the throatplate toaecommodate'the deliveryend of a strip guidewhich indicated generally as 31. The strip-guide incl --esaI flat sheet metal base portion 32 of which each side gradually inturned from ythe strip-receiving end to the delivery en'd to form pposededg'e-folding scrolls 33, 33..

i portionsU 334433 and extending laterally one at eael'izside of the strip-guide, are supporting Amembers 35-'435 which 4seat against an angle bracket 36 fixed to the undersurface of the slide cover-plate. Bymeans of slotandfastening screw connections 37-37 therebetween, stri iide' is secured for limited lateral adjustment in aripiipwardly inclined position beneath the slide cover- P'lltH v Seeired in spaced relation with the base portion 32 of the,strip'guidileE at'the strip-receiving end thereof, is a strip siibbtliing and confining spring-tongue 39 provided with longitudinal yslot 40 thlrou`gh which any suitable pointed instrument be passed to facilitate insertion of a strip intolthe guide in .the usual manner.v rThe free extremity f the tonglw. extends between the base portion 32 of the strip-guide and a bridge piece 41 which is secured bet v the intu'rned portions 33-33 at the delivery exvyof `the giide. The bridge piece 41 is formed with a itdinal guide slot 42 whichvaccommodates anVupstanding guide block 43 carried .by ,a lshiftable arbor mernber 14... 'The :snide edges sans 'sf rhsg'rbprmemba 44 are ar ged tojextendeach within one ofthe inturn'ed portions of the stripjfolding scrolls 153---33l`at the delivery eind, thereofkthefebyuto,provide shiftable arbors about dges of strip will be loldecl.V Figures ,6 j wh h are cro's'slsectional views ofthe strip-guide `reg'ceiving 'extrem/ity, at axrmid-pointandnat thewdeliverymext'remity respectively, best illustrate` the feitidsii'p of the above descritas parte. Figs shqws e bridge piece 1 landthe spring tongue 39 p willntsnag onthe arbor. Snagging is {':zed b y tlie tapelredmform of vthe "side-.edges o ie ,arbor 14,., as .illustrated in :Fig.u2, `vRefer 7 eedge folding.scrolls 34;-3-44a're cornr thefdeliefry rfid ,0f .thesuide and y dn, tol the inturnednstrip-folding portion d arbor por'tijnsB-i whichextend ed portion33and provide stationary areach sideabo'ut whichqthe edges. of the strip Side edges f4'5'7j`45 v of .the shiftable arbor r are dsr'sd ...underlie and Supplement the s aryt arborvportions `4646 as will hereinafter be diflbsdmsrlly- 1 "uxiliaryA s" rffening platewStl `which is ed beneaththe 'strip guide '31, are, opposed right A l 1 collapsing members 51;, 51H and a'n a'c' mechanisrr'i4 therefor. These partsare best ilated Figs. and rSince the strip-collapsing members are similar and vrner'ely Aof the opposite hand, nulxxnbners y*will beufsed to indicate like parts of each, e numbers,` however, `willfb'e used'towdesignate the e 4ght memberpsnviewed 'in Fig. .3.

Y hp collapsing comprisesv a :plate 52, 52 piivlted as at 53,53' beneath the stiffening-plate 50 and the, deliveryIend'of` the guide. Secured to the inshiftable arbor member 4d extends at one y 4 provided with an upstanding strip-engaging linger 54, 54' Wliih extends fiwdly in dvfii' O'f the 'Cllivy end of the strip guide. The upper edge of each of the opposed strip-engaging fingers 54, 54 is formed with a flange 55, 55 which extends inwardly in spaced strip-confining relation with the respective plate 52, 52. The position of each df the Kstrip-collapsing members 5l, 51 is controlled by means .of a slide-plate 56 which is confined for movement lengthwise beneath the stripguid'e bya channeled block 57. secured to theh'stiffenirig strip 5G by screws 57. The slide-plate a55 extends forwardly to underlie the plates 52; l52 and as best illiis- Hated in Fis-..11 is fsrrtlsd beneath the..r 1atssnithpad longitudinal slots58, 581, each slot terminating in cam surface 59, 59 which surfaces are transversely aligned. A pair of blocks 60, are secured for limited lengthwise adjustment beneath the slide-plate 56 by means of fastening screws 61, 6i' and slots 62, A62" each yblock being formed with an upturned lug 6 3, @f :arranged to enter the slots 58, 58 to `provide,transversecam-sui? faces 64, 652 which are longitudinallyl oppsedhtohcam surfaces 59, 59 respectively. Dependingfrom leach of the plates 52, 52 Lof the stripfcollapsing.member isa pin 65, arranged between the cam surfaces 59, 59

The slide-plate 56 is normally biased forwardly `by spring to a position determined by a lug 71 andthe channeled block 57. In this normalposition aslillustrated in Fig. 3, the alignedcam surfaces l5 9,;59o f the slide-plate engage pins 65, 65 respectively and urge the strip-collapsing members info extreme separate position one at' each side of the normal path of astrip beyond the delivery end of the strip guide. By means Of depending pin. 72., .Slide ,plate 56.111219 be shifted rearwardly in oppositionrto spring 70.K When'so shifted, they cam surfaces 64, k64 engagethepins 65j, `65vaS shown in Fig.v 9 and serve to shift the strip-engaging members transverselyrof the strip ,guide about the respective pivots 53, 53 and vinto operative. position as illustrated in Eig. 9 and also in dot and dash lines in Fig. 3, in which the strip-engaging fingers 54, y54 occupy positions within the normal path of the strip as t it issues from `the delivery endl ofthe guide. As shown in Fig. 9, the strip-engaging ngers 54, 54'l may be shifted to converge and collapse the ystrip to a position between the needles and out of the lines ofv stitching produced by the needles` at each side of the strip which is lindi-v cated as S. Simultaneously, the arbor member 44 is retracted to a position preferablywithin the 'strip folding guide so `that binding of` the fabric strip .between4 the arbor and the inturned, strip-collapsing member is minimized. Fig. 10 illustrates the vmannerin which the work-engaging parts ,aifect the fabric strip immediately after the parts have been returned toY no rmalope-ratxin'g position. The strip-engaging fingers 54 5fl,are lturned outwardly to a position substantially,'parallel4 to: the path of travel of the strip, and the arbor member 44 is returned to its forward position in which v the side edges l5-45 thereof are `disposedinl work controlling relation opposite the strip-engaging fingers 54, 5 4.y In this position of the arbor member, the folded edgespof the fabric strip are urged outwardly 4in a positivemrnanner into normally extended position ata point longitudinally ofthe guide closer to 'the needles y.t'hanwoul'cl be otherwise possible. As a result, the transition "the stitched strip from collapsed positionvtol thenormlly extended position is accomplished in `a shorter length of the strip, and, consequently, the distortion 'of the strip due to the vtransition lis minimied.

Since the relative position ofthe blocks of?, andof the block 60 on the slide plate 56. correspondingly, the lug 63 and the cam surface 64' formed thereby is positioned forwardly of the counterparts'63 and 64 of block 60. As a result, lost motion occurs between pin 65 and cam surface 64', as illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10, and consequently, a smaller transverse movement of the strip-collapsing member 51 is produced. This convenient and simple adjustment of strip-collapsing motion is useful, for instance, where a greater number of needles or a wider needle gauge is employed to secure one side of the strip than the other. With the instant adjustment', the blocks 60 and 60 may be positioned in laterally aligned arrangement thereby providing for an equal movement of the strip collapsing members. It is also possible to position one of the blocks 60, 60 sufficiently far forward so that the corresponding stripengaging member is rendered completely inoperative. Such adjustment is useful where it is desired to collapse only one side of the strip.

In the present construction means are provided for actuating the strip-collapsing members 51-51 and the shiftable arbor member 44 in a timed relationship such that the strip may be collapsed without any appreciable increase in the frictional drag exerted thereon and may be quickly restored to normal extended position in a more positive manner than has been heretofore possible.

Extending from the channeled block 57 beneath the strip-guide, is a supporting arm 80 to the extremity of which is pivoted a lever 81. Carried by the lever 81 are spaced lever arms 82 and 83. The lever arm 82 extends beneath the strip guide and is formed with an arcuate slot S4 which embraces the pin 72 depending from the slide-plate S6. The lever arm 83 extends above the stripguide and is formed with a radial slot 85 which embraces a pin 86 secured in the guide lug 43 of the arbor member 44. The lever 81 is provided with a follower pin 100 by which movement may be imparted to the lever 81 by a linkage carried by the machine bed as will be described hereinafter.

A spring 87 is arranged between the lever 81 and the stiifening plate 50 on the strip-guide to bias the lever into the normal position illustrated in Fig. 3, in which the strip-collapsing members are disposed out of the path of the strip and the shiftable arbor member 44 is extended forwardly in advance of the delivery end of the strip-guide as shown in Fig. 10.

When the lever 81 is shifted to collapse the strip, the initial movement of the lever results only in a retraction of the arbor member 44 by means of the lever arm 83. The strip-collapsing members remain unaffected by the initial movement of the lever because of the arcuate slot 84 in the lever arm 82 which provides a lost motion connection between the lever arm and the slide-plate 56. The advantage of the sequence of motion provided by this construction is that the arbor member is thereby positioned to provide maximum control over the work during normal operation, while immediately preceding collapsing of the strip the arbor is retracted to prevent pinching or binding of the strip and, consequently, reducing the frictional drag exerted on the strip when in collapsed position.

On continued movement of lever 81, the pin 72 of the slide-plate 56 is engaged by the lever arm 82 and is shifted rearwardly. The cam surfaces 64, 64 then engage pins 65, 65 of the strip-collapsing members either simultaneously or in timed sequence depending upon the relative position of adjustment of the blocks 60, 60', as described in detail above. As illustrated in the position of adjustment of Figs. 9 and 10, surface 64 first engages pin 65 and begins to turn the left hand strip-collapsing member 51. The additional lost motion between cam surface 64 and pin 65' delays initiation of movement of the right hand strip-collapsing member 51', and thereby results in a smaller extent of movement thereof, as is shown clearly in Fig. 9.

When the lever 81 is returned to normal position the reverse sequence of movement occurs, that is, the stripengaging members are first returned to normal position out of the path of the strip and then the arbor member is forced outwardly in advance of the delivery end of the strip guide. In being shifted forwardly, the side edges 45, 45 of the arbor member 44 engage the infolded sides of the collapsed strip and positively force the folded strip to reassume the normal extended position opposite the strip-engaging fingers 54, 54. Due to the positive nature of the control exercised over the strip during the collapsing operation the complete transition from normal to collapsed position of the stitched strip and vice versa occurs within fewer stitches than has been heretofore possible with usual strip-collapsing devices, and therefore, distortion of the resulting seam is minimized.

The actuating linkage will now be described by which movements may be imparted to the lever 81 to collapse the strip at the will of the sewing machine operator. As illustrated in Figs. l, 2 and 4 a vertically disposed support plate 90 is arranged in spaced relation to the bed 11 by means of inturned portions 91-91 by which the plate is secured to the bed by fastening screws 92. Pivoted to the support plate at 93 is an actuating lever 94 which is slotted as at 95 to accommodate a slidingly pivotal con-v nection 96 with one extremity of a slide-bar 97. The bar 97 which is confined for endwise sliding movement with respect to the support plate by means of a channeled block 98, is formed at the other extremity with an upturned and outwardly extending bifurcated jaw portion 99. The jaw portion 99 opens outwardly which, as shown in Fig. l, corresponds to the direction in which the slideplate 26 must be shifted in the access aperture 25 of the machine work-plate in order to be removed or replaced therein. A pin 100 which depends from the lever 81 is embraced by the jaw 99 when the slide-plate 26 is shifted into position in the access opening 25, and, similarly, the pin will be readily separable from the jaw when the slideplate is removed. A coil-spring 101 is arranged between the channeled block 98 and the slide-bar 97 to bias the bar 97 to the left as viewed in Fig. l, into a position as determined by the adjustable stop block 102 carried by the bar 97. The stop block 102 is preferably positioned so as to locate the jaw 99 in alignment with the position in which pin 100 is normally biased by the coil spring 87 whereby a positive interlock will be effected between the pin and the jaw each time the slide-plate 26 is replaced. A second stop-block 103 is adjustably secured to the slide-bar 97 to limit the extent of movement of the slidebar in opposition to the spring 101 and consequently to limit the extent of overall strip-collapsing movement.

In the most usual installation of a sewing machine in its supporting table or power table, as it is usually termed, the sewing machine bed extends downwardly into a cutout portion of the supporting table so that the worksupport l2 is disposed at the level of the top surface of the power table. ln Figs. l and 4 the broken line labeled 105 represents the top surface of the power table in the usual installation. Where tubular work is to be stitched, it is desirable to elevate the sewing machine by means of a sub-base 106 as shown in Fig. 4. Locating pins, of which one is shown at 107, depend from the machine bed and enter apertures 10S in the sub-base to firmly seat the machine in place. A resilient pad 109 may be arranged between the machine and sub-base at each of the locating pins 107 to reduce the effects of vibration. The sub-base 106 rests directly upon the power table 110, in which case, as shown in Fig. 4, the elevation of the sewing machine with respect to the power-table top 105 is decidedly increased. This difference in sewing machine elevation presents the problem, where a pivotally mounted knee shifter is used, that in the elevated position, the extent of movement of the knee shifter becomes excessive. In the present construction, a knee shifter pad 111 is adjustably secured to the depending portion 112 of a 7 berit supporting rod 113. As shown in Fig.yl and in dashed lines in Fig. 4,v vwhen the sewing machine is supported 4at the level of the power table top the supporting rod 113 is `normally arranged in a transverse bore 114 formed in the pivotedlever94 and is secured in place by means of al set screw 115. When the machine is elevated, the knee-shift pad may be adjusted to a lower position along the` depending portion 112 of the support rod to retain a favorable elevation with respect to the sewing machine operators knee, however, if this is done, the distance between the knee pad 111 and the pivot 93 about which it turns` is increased and the movement necessary at the knee pad becomes excessive. A simple and economicalarrangement has been provided in the present inventionl whereby this excessive movement is reduced when Ythe machine is supported in elevated position. Rivoted to the sub-base at '120 is a bell-crank lever 121. Tothe horizontal arm 122 of the bell-crank is pivoted aV roller 123 of which the periphery is grooved as at 124 to embracea straight cylindrical rod 125 which is subst t'ute'din thel transverse bore 114 of lever 94 in place of theknee pad supporting rod 113. A depending arm 12,6 f the beu-@rank lever 121 is formed with a transverse bore 1 2'7 and provided with a setscrew 12S in a manner Iidentical with that of the lever 94 such that the knee-shifter*y supporting rod 113 may be carried either by ,lev er 94 when the machine is supported in normal fashion erby arm l1'2`6of the bell-crank when the machine iswplacedupon an elevating sub-base. The use of the bell-crank lever 121, it will be understood, favorably chan'es the mechanical advantage of the actuating linkageforthe strip-collapsing members whereby the extent ofv motion o f theknee pad 111 is reduced. Since the bellciank121 be pivotcd permanently to the sub-base, eonversion of a machine support from a normal to an ele" ted position involves, insofar as the knee shifter is concerned, only that the knee-shifter support rod 113 b'ef'shifted from one lever to the other and that the rod 12 5 be x'edin place.

Having Ythus set forth the nature of the invention, what I clain herein is:

I1. In strip guide, a at strip guiding portion, a strip folding scroll arranged in communication therewith, an arbor merrbeiF arranged to extend in work-folding relation withinv said scroll, said arbor member being slidably suppwrted for movement lengthwise of said guide, means carried by said strip guide for collapsing the strip beyond the `delivery end of said guide, and means for shifting said arbor r'emb'er .to accommodate ysaid strip-collapsing means.

2. In a st 'rip guide for sewing machines, a strip-folding scroll, ia shift'able arbor ,member disposed in work folding felation 'with 'said scroll, means limiting movement of said arbor member between a retracted position subst ally 'c'oterm'inou's with said scroll and an extended on in which fsfaid arbor member projects beyond the ry end yof 'said scroll, and means under control of wing machine operator for shifting said arbor member into retracted or extended position.

3 a strip-'collapsing attachment for a sewing mac a fixedfstrip guide, strip-'folding instrumentalities f edfonat least one side 'of 'said strip guide, a stripcollapsing 'member normally disposed out of the path of the strip adjacent said strip-folding instrumentalities, r'ne' for shifting sa'id strip-collapsing member into operative 'position in 'thefpath 'of the strip, and a retractable arbor associatedwith said strip guide, said arbor b g disposed to extend 'within the fold of the strip at a pintpppos'ite said strip-collapsing member.

strip-'guiding device, comprising a plate, inturned din`g sid e-edge portions formed on said plate, a p r o'f arbor members 'fixed to said plate, said arbor rn"mbers disposed substantially coterminous wifh vthe delivery end o'f said plate and arranged to extend each within one of 'said Vin t'urned side-edge portions, a second pair of arbor members arranged complemental 'to Ysaid rst p'air of arbor members and slidably Isupported for movementlengthwise thereofto Oan extended position in advance of the delivery end of said plate.

5. A strip-collapsing folder for a sewing vmachine cornprising a strip guide including spaced edge-folding scrolls, spaced strip-collapsing members disposed one at each side of said strip guide and extending beyond the delivery end thereof, spaced retractible work controlling arbors extending one within each of said edge folding scrolls, said arbors normally disposed to extend beyond the delivery end of said strip guide, and means operatively associated with said strip-collapsing members and with said arbors for simultaneously actuating said strip-collapsing members land retracting said arb'ors.

.6, In a strip guide, a flat strip guiding portion, a strip folding scroll arrangedin communication therewith, an arbor member arranged to extend in enveloped relation with said scroll, said arbor member being slidably supported for translatory movement lengthwise of said guide, a strip-collapsing member pivotally secured Ato said strip guide, said member having a strip engaging portion disposed in advance of the delivery end of 'said strip guide, and means operatively associated with each of said members for simultaneously imparting turning movement to said strip-collapsing member ad translatory movement to said arbor member.

7. In a strip-collapsing attachment for a sewing machine, a strip guide, inturned strip-folding side edge portions formed o'ri said strip guide, an arbor plate slidably supported for translatory movement lengthwise of said strip guide and arranged to extend into enveloped relation with each of said intur'ned side portions of said strip guide, spaced strip-collapsing members pivotally secured one at each side of said strip guide at the delivery end thereof and means operatively associated with said strip-collapsing members and said arbor plate for simultaneously turning said strip-collapsing members in opposite directions and retracting said arbor plate.

8. In a strip guide, spaced strip-folding scrolls, a stripcollapsing plate slidably supported between said scrolls, said plate extending at each side within a respective one of said scrolls to provide spaced arbors about which the marginal edges of a strip are folded by the scrolls, spaced strip-collapsing members normally disposed one at each side of said, strip guide and extending beyond the delivery end thereof, an actuating member carried by said strip guide for movement within a predetermined range, an operative connection between said actuating member and said strip-controlling plate effective to transmit movement of said plate over the entire range of movement of said actuating member, and a connection between said strip-collapsing members and said actuating member, said last mentioned connection effective to transmit movement to said strip-collapsing member during only a po'rti'on ofthe range of movement of said actuating member. 9. A strip-collapsing folder for a sewing machine cornprising a strip guide including spaced edge-folding scrolls, spaced strip-collapsing members normally disposed one at 'each side of s'aid strip guide and extending beyond the delivery iend thereof, spaced work-controlling arbors extending one within each of said spaced edge-folding scrolls, means slidably securing said arbors to said strip guide for movement longitudinally thereof, an actuating lever, operative connections between said lever and said strip-collapsing members etfective to shift said members transversely of said strip guide and operative connections between said lever and said work-controlling arbors effective to shift said arbors lengthwise of said guide.

10. In a strip-collapsing folder, a strip guide comprising a fla't strip guiding portion, opposed strip folding scrolls arranged `in communication therewith, a longitudinally slotted bridge piece spanning said scrolls and a A`shiftable arbor 'arranged between said bridge piece and said `strip guide, 'strip-collapsing -in'stmmentalities secured to said strip guide and arranged to extend in advance of the delivery end thereof, and a lever pivoted to said strip guide, an arbor actuating arm carried by said lever having operative connections with saidarbor through said longitudinally slotted bridge piece, a second arm carriedV by said lever, and operative connections between said second arm and said strip-collapsing instrumentalities. l

11. In a strip-collapsing folder, a strip guide comprising a flat strip-guiding portion, a strip-folding scroll arranged in communication therewith, an arbor member slidably supported for movement lengthwise of said strip guide and arranged to extend in enveloped relation with said scroll, a strip-collapsing device comprising a work engaging member supported by said strip guide for movement transversely of said strip guide and arranged to extend in advance of the delivery end thereof adjacent said strip-folding scroll, means normally maintaining said arbor member in extended position in advance of the delivery end of said strip guide, and an actuating member carried by said strip guide and disposed in operative association with said arbor member and said strip-collapsing device, said actuating member being arranged to engage and shift in seriatim first the arbor member and then the strip collapsing device.

l2. ln a strip-collapsing folder for a sewing machine, a strip guide having7 edge-folding scrolls, a retractible arbor member slidably supported for movement length- Wise of said strip guide, spaced strip-collapsing members carried by said strip guide for movement transversely thereof, and means automatically effecting in seriatim a retraction of said arbor member and a shift of first one and then the other of said strip-collapsing members, said means comprising an actuating lever carried by said strip guide, a first and a second lever arm extending therefrom, said first lever arm arranged in continuous operative engagement with said arbor member, a block supported for endwise sliding movement with respect to said strip guide and positioned for delayed engagement by said second lever arm, and complemental abutment members adjustably secured to said block and each of said strip-engaging members.

13. ln a strip-collapsing folder for a sewing machine, a strip guide having edge-folding scrolls, a retractible arbor member slidably supported for movement lengthwise of said strip guide, spaced strip-collapsing members carried by said strip guide for movement transversely thereof, and means automatically effecting in seriatim a retraction of said arbor member and a shift of first one and then the other of said strip-collapsing members, said means comprising an actuating lever carried by said strip guide, a pair of lever arms extending therefrom, operative connections between the first of said lever arms andsad arbor member, a block supported for endwise sliding movement with respect to said strip guide, a pin and slot lost motion connection between the second of said lever arms and said block whereby said arbor member is substantially retracted before initial movement of said block, and adjustable pin and slot lost motion connections between said block and each of said strip-collapsing members whereby said members may be shifted in seriatim.

14. A strip-collapsing device for a sewing machine having stitch-forming instrumentalities and a frame including a work support formed with an aperture adjacent the stitch-forming instrumentalities for access thereto, said strip-collapsing device comprising a slide cover plate for said access aperture, a strip guide having spaced edgefolding scrolls carried by said slide cover plate, a retractible arbor member slidably supported by said strip guide, spaced strip-collapsing instrumentalities secured to said strip guide and arranged to extend in advance of the delivery end thereof, a lever carried by said strip guide, a first operative connection between said lever and said retractible arbor, a second operative connection between said lever and said strip-collapsing members, actuating mechanism for said lever carried by said sewing machine frame, said actuating 'mechanism disposed to operatively engagesaid lever when said slide cover plate is positioned in said aperture. v l

15. In a sewing machine having a work-support, a table having a machine supporting top, means normally supporting said sewing machine from said table with said work-support substantially nat the same elevation as said table top, and a sub-base adapted to be interposed between Said table top and said sewing machine to elevate said work-support, a strip collapsing device carried by said sewing machine, an actuating mechanism for said strip collapsing device including an arm pivoted to said sewing machine on an axis disposed at a fixed distance beneath said work-supporna knee pad, means normally securing said knee pad to said pivoted arm, a lever pivoted to said sub-base on an axis disposed beneath the pivotal axis of said arm, said lever disposed in position to impart movement to said arm when said sub-base is interposed between said table top and said sewing machine and means for securing said knee pad to said lever.

16. In a sewing machine having a work-support, a table having a machine supporting top, means normally supporting said sewing machine from said table with said worksupport substantially at the same elevation as said table top, and a sub-base adapted to be interposed between said table top and said sewing machine to elevate said worksupport, a strip collapsing device carried by said sewing machine, an actuating mechanism for said strip collapsing device including an arm pivoted to said sewing machine on an axis disposed at a fixed distance beneath said worksupport, a knee pad, a knee pad supporting bar, means carried by said pivoted arm and adapted to receive said bar, a bell-crank lever pivoted to said sub-base on an axis disposed beneath the pivoted axis of said arm, one arm ot' said bell-crank lever being disposed in position to impart movement to said pivoted arm when said sub-base is interposed between said table top, and said sewing machine, and means carried by the other arm of said bellcrank lever and adapted to receive said knee pad supporting bar.

17. ln a sewing machine having a work-support, a table having a machine supporting top, means normally supporting said sewing machine from said table with said worksupport substantially at the same elevation as said table top, and a sub-base adapted to be interposed between said table top and said sewing machine to elevate said worksupport, a strip collapsing device carried by said sewing machine, an actuating mechanism for said strip collapsing device including an arm pivoted to said sewing machine on an axis disposed at a fixed distance beneath said worksupport, a knee pad, a knee pad supporting bar, means adjustably securing said supporting bar to said pivoted arm, a lever pivoted to said sub-base on an axis disposed beneath the pivotal axis of said arm, a member adapted to be secured to said pivoted arm in place of said knee pad supporting bar, said member arranged in operative engagement with said lever when said sub-base is interposed between said sewing machine and said table top, and means adjustably securing said knee pad supporting bar to said lever.

18. In a strip-collapsing device for a sewing machine having a needle and feed mechanism for feeding work fabric past said needle, the combination comprising an arbor member disposed on that side of the needle toward which the work is advanced by said feed mechanism, means for presenting a fabric strip to said needle in folded relation about one side of said arbor member, a stripcollapsing member normally disposed adjacent said one side of said arbor member, and manually operable means operatively associated with both said arbor member and said strip collapsing member for simultaneously retracting said arbor member from said needle and shifting said stripcollapsing member to a position between said needle and said arbor member.

19. In a strip-collapsing device for a sewing machine having a pair of needles and mechanism for feeding work fbrie past said needles, the cembination comprising a.'

bracket atlanted t be secnr'ed t'o said sewing machine', an arbor member ,slidably arranged on said brackei, said arbr member being dispsed on that side ef the needles toward y"lvhich the work is advaneed by said feed mechanism, Work-engaging side edge-portions formed on said arbr member, means carried by said bracket for presenting a strip of fabric to said needles in fldel relation abut both of `the side edgeprtiens Of said rber member, a pair of strip-eellapsing members each being disposed on that side of the needles Lew'ard which the workis adyanced by the feed mechanism and each being' shiftable transversely ef the line f feed, said strip-collapsing members rirmally being disposed one adjacent each f said fil arbor member side edge-portions, and means carried by said bracket and operatively associated with born said arbor' member nd said strip collapsing members for simultane'lisly feirjtig said arbor member from said needles and fr 'shifting said strip-cllpsing members each te a pdsitiefr befw'ee a respective one f said needles and said arbor member.

References Cited in the le of this patent 

